Transmutations is installed at Utah Valley University Gallery 402 – South end of the Gunther Technologies building on campus in Orem, Utah.
With generous help from Jason Lanegan, Professor of Art at UVU, we were able to put together a remarkable exhibit. My curation style is a little, shall we say “odd” or “creative”?, so having a patient collaborator was a great plus. This does not look like a typical gallery exhibit.
We’ve been getting some really good feedback from faculty and other attendees, and we will be having a Q&A with some of the artists on the evening of March 25, 6 to 8 pm.
Artists:
Michael Christensen
J. Amber Egbert
Garrick Hargrove
Brian Kershishnik
Abe Kimball
Susan Klinker
Andrew Kosorok
Jason Lanegan
Frank McEntire
Vincent Mattina
Glen Rollins
Danny B. Stewart
Brandon Truscott
Exhibit Statement:
Transmutations
Above all else alchemy is transformation.
This transformation is deeply personal – a transformation of psyche, transformative healing, a fundamental shift in world view. The process is elevated to the mystical or spiritual realm through the use of symbols and allegory, common across a broad spectrum of cultures while allowing for unique, personal expression.
The historical lineage of alchemy has served to inform much of contemporary awareness and has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in wildly successful fantasy. From the application of scientific method in physics and organic chemistry (Sir Isaac Newton studied alchemy extensively), to the world-wide success of the Harry Potter books and movies (the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone in the series is credited to Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel, historical alchemists and philanthropists of 14th century France).
From medicine to museology, from architecture to advertising – most of our modern world has been touched at least a little by the millennia-old traditions of alchemy, from all around the world. One favorite alchemist, the 4th century polymath Hypatia of Alexandria (a truly remarkable woman), was famously referenced as the “father of modern astronomy” by Carl Sagan.
This exhibit is a journey through themes of transformation drawing on enigmatic symbols of intrigue and mysticism. Visitors are invited to lose themselves for a moment in these worlds of the spiritual, give themselves permission to examine inner realms of heartfelt reflection, and come away with creative new avenues to explore their own personal journeys of renewal.
